When they set out to participate in the eKitabu Digital Essay Competition in late July, Esther Kamau and Michelle Mwikali would not have expected how things would turn out.
Along with seven of their Grade 5 classmates, they submitted their entries fully aware that they were competing against much older students from across the country in this renowned contest which attracted over 1, 800 entries.
Being the pioneering Grade 5 class at Nova Pioneer Tatu Primary this was the school’s first-ever appearance into the competition in the primary category which is open to students from standard 5 to 8 nationally.
Preparing for the competition
The 2020 Digital Essay Competition question was: How is technology helping you, your family, and your community during the coronavirus pandemic? Or Ni vipi teknolojia inakusaidia wewe, familia yako na jamii yako wakati huu wa janga la ugonjwa wa korona?
Under the guidance of their teachers, Ms. Lilian Wainaina, Ms. Jane Mutuku, Ms. Mercy Indasi and Librarian Angela, the students worked long hours stretching into the weekends and late evenings, researching the question, brainstorming, drafting and redrafting their essays.
Given the school closures owing to the Covid 19 pandemic, all this had to be done virtually with both the students and their teachers working remotely.
Determined to Win
Driven by Nova Pioneer’s motto “Schools for Leaders and Innovators”, the students were clear in their minds that although they were the youngest contestants, nothing would shake their belief and determination to put in a good showing in the competition. In the true spirit of one of our culture principles of High expectations, all the students put their best foot forward in the competition.
But no one would have anticipated just how well these students would perform …
High Expectations
On Wednesday, 23rd September, the school received communication that the students had outdone themselves! Esther Kamau was ranked position two nationally while Michelle Mwikali was ranked 7th, both in the Kiswahili (Primary) category. This is especially astonishing as they were competing in the same category as students in standard 6, 7 and 8! You can read the essays by Esther and Michelle.
For her achievement, Esther will receive a computing device, scholarship funds and a certificate. Meanwhile, Michelle will receive a certificate and a gift hamper. The awards ceremony was held virtually through the eKitabu Facebook page on Thursday 24th September.
We would like to give special commendations to the rest of our pioneering contestants for their high-quality essay submissions. Well done to Leo Volemi, Promise Mwangi, Hakeem Killingo, Amina Mohamed, Clarence Jude, Ryan Muthiga and Ryan Ndii.
More about the eKitabu Digital Essay Competition
Established in 2013, Digital Essay Competition has advanced education through the use of technology with teachers and students in all public and private schools across Kenya. Every year students respond with essays to a new question. Essays are marked by a panel of teachers, with prizes awarded for winning entries including computing devices, scholarship funds and national recognition with the Ministry of Education. Now in its 8th year, the Competition has grown with over 43,936 students, 1000 teachers, and 900 schools participating since 2013.
Source: https://www.ekitabu.com/2020/06/09/ekitabu-tunaenda-digital-newsletter-june-2020/
